Below you can find multiple urgent policies that governments could adopt to de-escalate the violence and build peace with justice. Each country is different, so please check your government’s stance on any policy. Given the power of the Israel lobby and its allies, no government is likely to do all the right things without considerable bottom-up pressure (aka people power). Concerted action from voters can change how politicians behave.
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire, sufficient humanitarian provisions, adequate funding for UNRWA, and solid protection for humanitarian staff.
- A ban on the export of weapons to Israel.
- Legal accountability – support for the ICC and the ICJ.
- Release of all illegally detained persons.
- Ensure international media and the UN have unhindered access to Palestine.
- Recognition of the state of Palestine.
There are multiple ways to advance these policies:
Immediate & Permanent Ceasefire + Increase in Humanitarian Aid
| What is a ceasefire? | It is the process of suspending any and all attacks through war or armed conflict on a region and its people. |
| Why immediate and permanent? | Since October 7th 2023, Israel intensified its military activity in Gaza and launched a devastating military campaign. It is reported to have killed nearly forty thousand people and wounded over eighty thousand. There are, however, strong reasons for concluding that the actual numbers are probably three times these reported numbers. In its assaults, Israel has systematically attacked healthcare systems and aid professionals, creating a burden of care no current healthcare infrastructure in Gaza can take on. The UN estimates that 1 million plus Palestinians are facing death by starvation by mid-July 2024. An immediate and permanent ceasefire is necessary to combat an impending famine and to provide displaced, wounded and disabled Palestinians access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. |
| How can you help? | International aid agencies have confirmed they can mobilize as soon as Israel allows land access and stops military action. However, the main agency providing aid, UNRWA, has recently seen its major donor, the USA, cut funding and political support. Advocate locally for your governments to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Push your local representatives and governments to start/ continue funding UNRWA. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States. Several countries that have recognised Palestinian sovereignty have yet to commit to funding UNRWA. |